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Explanation of Vote after the Vote by the Delegation of Ukraine on the Decision of the UN General Assembly on the Appointment of Members of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence 

(12 February 2026, New York) 

Madam President, 

The delegation of Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by Cyprus on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. Now we would like to make a statement in our national capacity to explain our position after the vote on the decision on the appointment of members of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. 

The delegation of Ukraine abstained during the vote on this decision.  

Ukraine supported the establishment of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence during the intergovernmental negotiations that led to the adoption of the relevant General Assembly resolution. 

In this regard, we wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Permanent Representatives of Spain and Costa Rica for their able stewardship of the negotiations as co-facilitators. 

The Panel has an important role to play by issuing scientific-based assessments, synthesizing and analyzing existing research related to the opportunities, risks and impacts of artificial intelligence. 

However, in light of today’s decision, our delegation has serious reservations regarding the appointment of the expert nominated by the Russian Federation. Based on publicly available information, the individual maintains close links with various State institutions of the Russian Federation, including one of the leading Russia’s state-owned banks. This raises concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest that may affect the expert’s impartiality or independence. 

In conclusion, Madam President, Ukraine attaches particular importance to ensuring that expert bodies established under the auspices of the United Nations maintain the highest standards of independence, integrity and professional credibility.  

Thank you, Madam President.